[A-GE27] Subsurface Mass Transport and Environmental Assessment

[AGE27-02] The effects of Cellulose-nanofibers application on soil water retention and aggregate stability

*An Thuy Ngo^1,2, Yasushi Mori¹ (1.Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University, 2.An Giang University, Vietnam National University Hochiminh City)

Keywords:Water retention, Soil aggregate stability, Cellulose-nanofibers

Improving soil water availability and water-erosion resistance, especially in arid areas, is critical to achieving sustainable water resource use and food security. A new approach for these dual goals has been developed using water-absorbing polymers as soil amendments. This study evaluates the performance of water retention and soil aggregate stability by cellulose nanofiber (CNF), a renewable and eco-friendly polymer. Laboratory experiments were set up on sandy soil and paddy soil with three dried CNFs (cool-dried, air-dried, and oven-dried CNF) at five application rates (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, and 1%). Results show that CNF increases soil water volume and prolongs water retention time. The more CNF dosage, the more water retention in the soil. Besides, FTIR spectra are used to explain the change of CNF structures obtained from three drying temperatures and methods, leading to a significant difference in water binding capacity. Mainly, cool-dried CNF had better water absorption than others. Moreover, mean weight diameter and particle size distribution are measured to assess the effect of CNF in terms of application rates on soil aggregate stability. Our findings will provide useful information for the potential application of CNF in water retention improvement and soil erosion mitigation.